Code named Shiretoko Alpha 2, the latest version of the browser is built on the Gecko 1.9.1 platform. Some of the new features developers can play with include initial support for Web worker threads, the ability to drag and drop tabs between browser windows and support for the html 5

Mike Shaver, vice president of engineering, noted that Firefox is releasing the next edition of the browser in 3.1 because of the features being included.

"We're using 3.1 because we're adding smaller features," Shaver said. "The important part is the end product."

According to Firefox 3.1 meeting minutes posted on September 3, Moziila's quality assurance team expected to sign off on Firefox 3.1 Alpha 2 at the end of last week, which they did.

The meeting also discussed a schedule for Beta 1 and set the code freeze date for the open source browser on September 30th.

Users anxious to see the Beta version of Firefox 3.1 released should have only about a month to wait.

"We're currently planning the first beta in October," said Shaver. And while a solid release date for Firefox 3.1 hasn't been announced, Shaver was willing to give a general timeline.

"We're currently planning to release the product around the end of the year," said Shaver.